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vicious cycle

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vicious circle  
n.  
  1. A situation in which the apparent solution of one problem in a chain of circumstances creates a new problem and increases the difficulty of solving the original problem. Also called vicious cycle.

  2. A condition in which a disorder or disease gives rise to another that subsequently affects the first.

  3. Logic A fallacy in reasoning in which the premise is used to prove the conclusion, and the conclusion used to prove the premise.


[Translation of New Latin circulus vitiōsus, circular argument : Medieval Latin circulus, circular argument + Latin vitiōsus, flawed, faulty.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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